Arsenal striker USA decision gives Edu chance to hijack Chelsea's planned Barcelona summer deal

Arsenal can use their Hale End academy star Folarin Balogun to solve their right-back issues after his imminent international team switch.

Chris Wheatley understands that Balogun is expected to commit his long-term international future to the United States despite representing England throughout his youth set up.

The United States are building a promising team of youngsters, and one of the players in particular, Sergino Dest, will certainly be of interest to Arsenal.

The Gunners could use Balogun as in a secret agent role to help Mikel Arteta land the exciting full-back who would provide the needed competition for Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Despite the excellent acquisition of from Bologna in a bargain £19.8m deal, Arteta’s side still requires another right-back in the squad.

The difference in quality between Tomiyasu and the covering right-backs was proven in the 4-1 victory over Leeds United earlier in the season when came on to replace the 23-year-old and instantly Arteta’s defence looked weaker, causing the loss of a clean sheet.

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Maitland-Niles was probably best backup option to Tomiyasu but his move to Roma on loan has distinguished any chances of him being used as a backup right-back.

Dest would have been - and could still be - a great option for